Miscanthus plant named ‘MBS 7001’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct cultivar of  Miscanthus  plant named ‘MBS 7001’, characterized by its rigorous growth rate, top leaf height of about 2.7 meters, green-colored leaves, high biomass yield and high tiller density.

Latin name of genus and species: Miscanthus spp.

Varietal denomination: ‘MBS 7001’.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a new and distinct cultivar of hybrid Miscanthus originated as a cross from Miscanthus sacchariflorus (♀, 4n)×M. sinensis (♂, 2n) plants and will be referred to hereafter by its cultivar name, ‘MBS 7001.’ ‘MBS 700’ represents a new cultivar of Miscanthus species, a perennial grass which is grown for biomass production, landscape use and ornamental value.

‘MBS 7001’, also known as ‘Nagara’, was selected for its vigorous growth from a selection field which was established from seedlings. The seedlings were obtained from seeds of a polycross of Miscanthus sacchariflorus (♀, 4n) and M. sinensis (♂, 2n) plants. ‘MBS 7001’ is a sterile triploid plant; hence, it cannot be reproduced sexually. ‘MBS 7001’ was generated by crossing a single large-stemmed M. sacchariflorus genotype from Japan (accession No.: 93M0005064, ploidy: 4x) as a female parent with a population of 15 M. sinensis plants as pollen donors (accession Nos.: 93m0146002, 92M0179020, 92M0179017, 93M0147009, 92M0179016, 93m0146012, 93M0144001, 93m0146017, 92m0086, 92m0179015, 93m0146001, 93M0084, 93m0006005, 93M0006003, and 93m0007212; ploidy: 2x). From this cross, 158 seedlings were obtained and planted in a field. Based on field observations, one triploid variety having high biomass was selected and designated as ‘MBS 7001’.

‘MBS 7001’ of the present application is an about 95% to 100% sterile genotype, and is almost completely self and cross incompatible. Miscanthus variety ‘MBS 7002’ disclosed in the co-pending U.S. Plant patent application Ser. No. 12/387,429 is 100% fertile, and is about 95% to 100% self incompatible, and 95% to 100% cross compatible. Miscanthus variety ‘MBS 1002’ disclosed in the co-pending U.S. Plant patent application Ser. No. 12/584,496 is 100% fertile, and is about 95% to 100% self incompatible, and 95% to 100% cross compatible.

The plant was asexually reproduced from sterile rhizome buds in Klein-Wanzleben, Germany by the inventor. The shoot material was propagated on rooting media and the rooted plantlets were planted into pots in the greenhouse. The plants were planted into the field after one cold period. The characteristics of this cultivar have been determined to be stable and are reproduced true to type in successive generations.

SUMMARY

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and represent the characteristics of the new cultivar. Plants for the botanical measurements in the present application are two and three-year-old plants. These plants would be considered as mature plants. The phenotype may vary somewhat with variations in temperature, day-length, light intensity, soil types, and water and fertility levels without, however, any variance in genotype.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined the basic characteristics of ‘MBS 7001’, which in combination distinguish this Miscanthus hybrid from the known Miscanthus×giganteus and other ornamental M. sinensis forms.

-   -   1. Vigorous growth     -   2. Top leaf height about 2.7 meters     -   3. Green leaves, no colored stripes are present     -   4. High biomass yield (about 20-33 dry tonnes/hectare)     -   5. High tiller density     -   6. Less biomass loss in drought than M.×giganteus

‘MBS 7001’ can be distinguished from the Miscanthus cultivars Strictus (not patented), Super Stripe (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 18,161), Gold Bar (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 15,193), Little Zebra (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 13,008) and Mysterious Maiden (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 16,197) in that ‘MBS 7001’ has no stripes or colored bands on its leaves.

In side by side comparisons conducted in Klein-Wanzleben, Germany, ‘MBS 7001’ is more vigorous than either of its parent plants and produces more biomass than either parent. Plant height of ‘MBS 7001’ is about 20-30 cm larger than that of the M. sacchariflorus and M. sinensis parents. ‘MBS 7001’ has taller culms but demonstrates less lodging; hence it has stronger culms. It is late ripening and shows excellent winter survival. The leaves stay longer on top of the culm compared to M.×giganteus and, therefore, the leaf loss during the winter is minimized which, in turn, leads to equal or higher biomass yield. At spring harvest, ‘MBS 7001’ has lower or similar dry matter content than M.×giganteus. ‘MBS 7001’ produces dry matter biomass yield of 20-30 t/ha. ‘MBS 7001’ is sterile and produces no panicles as observed at the location in Germany.

The plant rhizome grows relatively fast and is able to cover the area between the plants within a short time. The tuft remains filled with culms compared to M.×giganteus, where the culm number in the inner tuft circle is reduced over time. The tuft diameter is around 100 cm in year 7, which is larger than that of M.×giganteus and M. sinensis.

The plant can be propagated by rhizomes, from meristem or nodes. This further distinguishes ‘MBS 7001’ from M. sinensis in that M. sinensis cannot be propagated by nodes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying color photographs illustrate the overall appearance and distinct characteristics of the new Miscanthus cultivar ‘MBS 7001’.

The photograph in FIG. 1 was taken in mid-August, 2008 in Leamington, Ontario, Canada, and illustrates the overall growth habit and appearance of ‘MBS 7001’ eight weeks after transplanting from greenhouse-grown plants established in 2 gallon pots in a greenhouse and grown.

The photograph in FIG. 2 shows ‘MBS 7001’ growing in Leamington, Ontario, Canada, and illustrates new shoots emerging from rhizomes near the base of the main clump of tillers, and erect, flat to slightly concave leaf blades.

The photograph in FIG. 3 was taken in late fall, 2008 and illustrates the overall growth habit and appearance of ‘MBS 7001’ in Klein-Wanzleben, Germany as grown outdoors for 8 years. The ‘MBS 7001’ plants in the photo were harvested by removing above-ground biomass to above several inches above ground level every year for 7 years, and that the biomass visible in this photograph represents annual, rather than cumulative, growth.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT

The following observations, measurements, and comparison describe this plant as grown at Klein-Wanzleben, Germany, when grown in the field. ‘MBS 7001’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions, and the phenotype may vary significantly with variations in environment. All observations were recorded during the plant's dormant season (April 2008) and during the growing season 2008 unless otherwise noted. The color determination is in accordance with The 1995 R.H.S. Colour Chart of The Royal Horticultural Society, London, England, except where general color terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. Plants for the botanical measurements in the present application are two and three-year-old plants. These plants would be considered as mature plants.

-   Botanical classification: ‘MBS 7001’ is a sterile hybrid of a cross     from Miscanthus sinensis and Miscanthus sacchariflorus -   Common name: Maiden grass -   Parentage: Polycross of M. sacchariflorus from Japan and several M.     sinensis selected in Europe (and originated from Europe and Japan). -   General description:     -   -   Blooming period.—Occasional inflorescence on ‘MBS 7001’ at             Klein Wanzleben, Germany from 2001-2008. ‘MBS 7001’ blooms             during early to late Fall. Blooming duration is about two to             three weeks depending on temperature, day length, and water             availability during the growing season. Blooming occurs             later in the fall at northern latitudes. For example, ‘MBS             7001’ blooms in early to late November in Klein-Wanzleben,             Germany, and early to late October in South Georgia, USA.         -   Plant habit.—Herbaceous, tuft forming, biomass grass with             upright culms.         -   Height and spread.—Top leaf height about 2.7 meters. From             harvest after the 2007 growing season to the spring of 2008,             top leaf height was about 2.5 meters, and reached about 2.7             meters at the end of 2008). Culms can spread at the base up             to 2 meters in 7 years growing time. Table 1 below shows             basal circumference comparisons for ‘MBS 7001’ and             M.×giganteus ‘Illinois’.

TABLE 1 2009 Average Basal Circumference comparisons (cm) for M. x giganteus ‘Illinois’ and ‘MBS 7001’ Elora, Kemptville, Leamington, Entry Entry ON ON ON Means M. x giganteus ‘Illinois’ 94 59 94 83 ‘MBS 7001’ 105 65 115 95 Location Means 101 64 105 90 *Data from 2 year old mature plants

-   -   -   Hardiness.—Productive growth in Klein-Wanzleben (north             central), Germany and Ontario, Canada. Less leaf loss during             winter in Klein-Wanzleben, Germany than observed with M.             giganteus growing in the same area.         -   Culture.—Grows best in sandy loam, well-drained soil in full             sun. Higher yields in warmer climates and higher soil             fertility, good drought resistance. Tolerant to wind and             partial shade. Good stability; somewhat less tolerant to             lodging than parents. Late maturing; harvest time March to             April in Klein-Wanzleben, Germany. Biomass yield of about             20-33 tonnes per hectare (8-10 tons per acre). High tiller             density; above-ground biomass per unit area was about 0.21,             which is about the same as for M.×giganteus. Less biomass             loss than observed for M.×giganteus in period of prolonged             water deprivation.         -   Diseases and pests.—In United States ‘MBS 7001’ has shown             excellent resistance to lesser stem borer spp. when compared             to the public check variety M.×giganteus cv. Illinois clone.             Observations and confirmation on stem borer tolerance             occurred during early growth stages within 2-8 weeks after             field planting of seedling material. This has been observed             across at least 7 locations, particularly in southeastern             US.         -   Root description.—Fibrous, well branched and dense.             Fast-developing creeping rhizomes, with shoots arising 5-10             cm from base of the culms.

-   Growth and propagation:     -   -   Propagation.—By culm division, meristem or auxilliary buds             (nodes) and in vitro culture. One method for propagation of             ‘MBS 7001’ from in vitro culture includes the following             steps: rhizomes may be harvested in the spring, the rhizomes             are surface sterilized with several sterilization and wash             steps, the rhizome buds are placed onto growth media until             shoots develop, the shoots are transferred onto rooting             media, the plantlets are transferred into soil,             overwintered, and then planted in controlled conditions or             in the field. ‘MBS 7001’ may also be propagated by rhizome             division. Preferably, rhizomes may be harvested from dormant             ‘MBS 7001’ plants in late winter before the shoots appear.             To propagate ‘MBS 7001’ in the field, rhizomes of about 10             to 15 cm in length and weighing about 40 to 60 grams may be             planted approximately 10 cm deep and approximately 1 meter             apart within rows and about 1 meter between rows. Ideal             planting time varies by location but good success may be             achieved by planting in mid-April through May in many             regions. ‘MBS 7001’ is a sterile triploid, and rarely             flowers in temperate climates.         -   Growth rate.—Vigorous.

-   Culm (stem) description:     -   -   General.—Cylindrical, pithy, reed-like, erect.         -   Culm aspect.—Rigid and held erect, none are cascading.         -   Culm color.—Midsummer color is green to dark green (RHS             144A-146C) in Germany and the US; end of season is brown             (RHS 166C-173D) in Germany and at lower latitudes in the             US—Lafayette, Ind. to Southern GA the end of season range is             RHS 164B at culm base to 162D at culm top past final node;             lower internodes predominantly red-pink to violet (RHS N77B)             with some green (RHS 144A-146C), and vary with intensity             depending on locations and growing conditions. The rate on             which the culm color changes is dependent on location and             growing conditions. The change from green to dormancy brown             as described is more rapid in the northern latitudes as in             Germany when the days become increasingly shorter compared             to US latitudes which impose a longer dormancy period. The             culm colors at the two regions are assigned to the same             color code, but with distinctive intensity.         -   Culm size.—Average about 0.69 cm in diameter, up to about             1.5 cm in diameter, and up to about 2.1 meters in height on             mature plants.         -   Culm surface.—Culm is covered with hairs.         -   Internode length.—Varies from about 3 to 21 cm. Internode             length decreases from the base to the apex of the culm.         -   Ligule.—Membranous, about 2.5 mm (M.×giganteus is 2.5-3mm),             reddish in color 59B, longest hair is 2 mm (giganteus is 1             mm), encircles the entire culm, inner surface is glabrous,             hairs on the outer surface, long hairs are mainly on the             side, hairs on the side are approximately 1 mm (M.×giganteus             is 4-5 mm).         -   Culm length.—The average culm length of ‘MBS 7001’ compared             to M.×gigantues cv. ‘Illinois’ is shown below in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Average Culm Length comparisons (cm) Elora, Kemptville, Leamington, Entry Entry ON ON ON Mean M. x giganteus 159 103 226 162 ‘Illinois’ ‘MBS 7001’ 199 89 266 185 Location Means 179 96 246 174 *Data from 2 year old mature plants

-   Foliage description:     -   -   Leaf shape.—Linear.         -   Leaf base.—Sheathed.         -   Leaf division.—Simple.         -   Leaf apex.—Acuminate.         -   Leaf aspect.—Erect, blades are flat to slightly concave,             leaf angle younger leaves 60°, leaf angle older leaves 5°.         -   Leaf tip younger leaves.—⅔ pendently, meaning approximately             two thirds of the leaf tip area of the younger leaves bend             downward.         -   Leaf venation.—Parallel, upper surface concave, lower             surface convex, color upper surface whitish in color, code             RHS N155B, rippled venation aspect compared to leaf surface.         -   Leaf margins.—Visible, sharp short bristles under the             microscope.         -   Leaf size.—Up to 80 cm, width: 2-3 cm.         -   Leaf persistence.—Foliage dries and stays mostly on the stem             during winter.         -   Leaf attachment.—Sheathed.         -   Leaf arrangement.—Alternate, tapering.         -   Leaf surface.—Upper-light glossy, lower-matte.         -   Leaf color (during growing season).—Relatively uniform green             with no stripes, generally RHS 137A but ranging between RHS             137A to RHS 144A (M.×giganteus generally ranges from RHS             144A to RHS 146A). The color ranges described herein             represent color changes over time. No hairs on lower leaf             surface. -   Flower and reproductive organ description:     -   -   General description.—‘MBS 7001’ rarely flowers in             Klein-Wanzleben, Germany or Ontario, Canada. ‘MBS 7001’             flowers in the US. It flowers earlier in the southern             regions of US September to Oct., and October to November in             the northern regions of US. Seed is very rarely produced.             Less than 2%, usually 0% panicles of ‘MBS 7001’ produce             seed. -   Panicle color: Varies from 152D-176B. The intensity of these color     grades depends on location and growing conditions. However, this     color report indicates that 176B would be early panicle appearance     and 152D is for mature panicle appearance. -   Yield: The average yield of ‘MBS 7001’ compared to M.×gigantues cv.     ‘Illinois’ is shown below in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Average Yield (tons/ac) comparisons in Canada* Material Name Leamington Elora Entry Mean ‘MBS 7001’ 3.0 8.4 5.7 M. x giganteus ‘Illinois’ 1.7 4.5 3.1 Location Means 2.4 6.1 4.3 Lsd 0.05 1.3 2.8 1.8 *Data from 2 year old mature plants

-   Moisture: The average moisture of ‘MBS 7001’ compared to     M.×gigantues cv. ‘Illinois’ is shown below in Table 4.

TABLE 4 Average % Moisture comparisons in Canada* Entry Material Name Leamington Elora Mean ‘MBS 7001’ 29 41 35 M. x giganteus 36 48 42 ‘Illinois’ Location Means 33 45 39 Lsd 0.05 2.3 3.8 3.2 *Data from 2 year old mature plants

M.×giganteus is also a cross between M. saccharafloris (4x) and M. sinensis (2x) resulting in a sterile clone plant selection that is available to the public. This is how ‘MBS 7001’ was derived, only using different parentage in the ploy-cross as described. Therefore M.×giganteus (3x) cv ‘Illinois clone’ is an excellent cultivar for comparison with ‘MBS 7001’. In this comparison ‘MBS 7001’ is slightly greener during the growing season than M.×giganteus across locations. 

1. A new and distinct cultivar of Miscanthus plant named ‘MBS 7001’ substantially as herein shown and described. 